Yesterday, my dear friend & fellow co-worker, Sarah, pointed out that I've gone through so many identities this year: new teacher (5th grade), singlehood (Arterburn), marriage (Swenson), homeowner (Stanley townhouse), & the culmination of chopping my hair off last Saturday. She's so right! I have jumped through many stages of my life in just one short year. I love all my new identities so much. At the last stage, I decided to cut my hair again & quite short...people having been doing double-takes. It's so great & fun, reflecting all the other stages. With all these new identities comes many responsibilities too. With another turbulent teaching week (what, with spring break right away the corner), I realized how much it takes to stay grounded.
Our pastor has been preaching on Genesis this past month & it struck a chord in me. Our identities are clearly laid out in the very beginning--man and woman: Image-bearers of God, started in deep, intimate connection with The Creator, dependent on one another, hard working and free-spirited. These reminders have been so beneficial during my changes this year. I've loved every moment of them, but they are still changes that affect the core of who I am. Although, I found myself with a weakly formed back-bone when faced with stressful tension, I still have a stronger root in Christ. I have a solidly formed identity that is given to me by grace. I'm so grateful for this new identity that I didn't & still don't have to work at or prove. Christ did that for me and I get the joy of celebrating, growing & relishing that identity.
With so many years as a nomad, air-mattress sleeping, college student, it's such a new experience to be rooted somewhere & establishing my new identities as wife, teacher, and adult. As hard as it is, I love coming into these new roles. Yet none of my training has truly prepared me for any! :D More photos to come.
